Overview

Reel Recognize Real is my answer to the creative possibilities opened by the strike, a series of social first commercials imagined as cultural love letters. Each short pairs a beloved Black brand with an iconic Black film, creating a visual homage that highlights the brilliance of Black innovators while showcasing emerging Black talent in front of and behind the camera. Spanning food, fashion, sport, beauty, and jewelry, these five pieces shine a spotlight on culture and remind us that great brands, like great films, stay with us long after the credits roll.

This piece highlights Viarae, Issa Rae’s sparkling wine label, created to carve out space for Black women in a category where representation has long been absent. Viarae is more than Prosecco, it is a tribute to community, joy, and the bonds of friendship.

Paired with Baby Boy, the commercial taps into John Singleton’s unflinching exploration of masculinity and responsibility. By merging Viarae’s elegance with the film’s raw honesty, the spot reminds us that celebrations carry depth. They honor both where we come from and where we are going.